Junior Cycle

English

The general aim of teaching English at Junior Cycle is to reinforce and continue the work of the primary school in nurturing the intellectual,
imaginative and emotional growth of each student by developing his/her personal proficiency in the arts and skills of language. This personal
proficiency involves three dynamically interrelated elements: personal literacy, social literacy and cultural literacy. The interdependence of these
elements is the essential foundation for the successful teaching of English in the Junior Cycle.

Learning Schools Project 2015/2016

The School is currently involved in a Formative Feedback initiative in conjunction with Tralee Education Centre.

Irish

The aim of Junior Certificate Irish is to improve pupil’s ability to communicate through Irish. Pupils focus on improving language skills
through concentrating on four areas; spoken language through speaking; listening skills through listening to others, CDs and tapes; written skills through writing in Irish, and reading skills through reading passages, poems and stories written in Irish.We organise Seachtain an Gaeilge every year in March.

Mathematics

Maths at Junior Cycle focuses on further developing the mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding, which students have gained from
primary school, applying maths to real life situations, developing problem solving skills and fostering a positive attitude to maths.
Junior Certificate Mathematics is made up of five strands:
1. Statistics and Probability
2. Geometry and Trigonometry
3. Number
4. Algebra
5. Functions
The Maths Department are involved Numeracy initiatives at present.

Art, Craft, Design

This syllabus aims to develop the expressive, communicative and functional modes of art, craft and design in the individual within the art class. Drawing is the central activity to the syllabus and links with 2-D (painting and graphic design), 3- D, Options (craftwork) and Support Studies in art history. Drawing is used for thematic ideas, designs and research. These activities encourage personal exploration and understanding of the
different art and design elements. We have a lunch time Art club in the school.

Business Studies

Business Studies helps pupils to make more informed decisions in the everyday business of living. It gives pupils a better understanding of the world of work. It encourages students to think about how and why people start up in business and why students too might also consider starting a business. Our school liaises with the Kerry Local Enterprise Office and takes part in Student Enterprise Awards Competition.

Civic, Social and Political Education (CSPE)

The aims of junior cycle CSPE are to develop active citizens with a sense of belonging. It gives themthe capacity to gain access to information and structures relating to the society in which they live. It creates within the student, an ability and confidence to participate in democratic society.
Junior Certificate CSPE is studied at Common Level.

Modern Languages: French and Spanish

Presentation Secondary school offers two continental languages; French & Spanish. The syllabus in each language is a communicative one
organised around the needs, expectations and interests which pupils bring to the foreign language classroom.

Geography

Geography is the study of people and their relationships with their environment It is concerned with helping to develop an understanding of the physical, social and economic processes which shape that environment. To achieve that understanding, the Geography syllabus aims to introduce young people to a broad body of knowledge and equip them with a wide range of practical skills. The subject is structured around a number of key geographical concepts which are studied in local, national and international settings.

History

The History syllabus aims to ensure that students:• Acquire knowledge and understanding of human activity in the past• Understand the contemporary world through the study of the past• Develop conceptual understanding• Develop the ability to think independently• Develop a range of historical skills e.g. research skills• Develop such positive attitudes as a commitment to objectivity and fairness• Develop an interest and enthusiasm for history• Learn to value their heritage

Home Economics

In Junior Certificate, Home Economics includes both practical work and theory. Pupils work in pairs in practical cookery classes. Each pupil
undertakes an individual project, choosing from a wide variety of topics such as Childcare, Craftwork or Textiles. Practical work makes up at least half of class time and it includes food preparation, practical needlework, interior design and consumer research projects. Pupils also enter National and European competitions in Consumer and Health related topics. The practical element of this course makes it very rewarding and enjoyable.

Physical Education

Physical education applies a holistic approach to the concept of physical activity for young people. It recognises the physical, mental, emotional, and social dimensions of human movement, and emphasises the contribution of physical activity to the promotion of individual and group
wellbeing. Students take part in Soccer, Dance, Gymnastics, Athletics, Basketball, Orienteering and Health Related Activities.

Religious Education

The aim of Junior Certificate Religious Education is to provide students with a framework for encountering and engaging with the variety of religious traditions in Ireland and elsewhere. The syllabus is built around a framework of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes. The State
Examinations Commission issues a list of topics for Journal Work at the beginning of each academic year.

Science

Science essentially deals with knowledge and understanding of our world. The study of science is concerned with the understanding of a body of scientific knowledge and the development of scientific skills through practical activities. It contributes to the development of logical thinking and reasoning, and skills of observation, measurement, interpretation, numeracy, problem solving and decision making. Junior Certificate Science
provides a suitable preparation (but is not a requirement) for the study of one or more science subjects at senior cycle. The science syllabus
contains the three main areas:1. Biology
Human Biology – food, digestion and associated body systems; the skeletal/muscular system; the senses and human reproduction and Animals, plants and micro-organisms.

Social, Personal and Health Education

Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) in junior cycle education supports the personal development, health and well being of young people and helps them create and maintain supportive relationships. The aims of SPHE are to enable students to develop skills for self-fulfilment and living in communities, to promote self-esteem and self-confidence, to enable students to develop a framework for responsible decision-making, to provide opportunities for reflection and discussion and to promote physical, mental and emotional health and well-being.
The SPHE programme in our school reflects the unique ethos of the school.
Our supportive whole school environment is one where people feel valued, self-esteem is fostered, fairness and tolerance are evident, high
expectations are the norm, those having difficulty are supported, communication is open, effort is recognised, difference is valued, conflict is
handled constructively, initiative and creativity is stressed and social, moral and civic values are promoted.

Information Technology

The school has a fully equipped and up-to-date Computer Laboratory. Computers are linked together within a network. Every classroom is equipped with the latest ICT technology, PC’s and overhead projectors. This interactivity within the classroom is a great tool to educationally engage students. The lab is also equipped with printers, scanner, L.C.D. and has internet, broadband and e-mail facilities. Consequently, this provides
excellent preparation for future study within the area of information technology and indeed is useful in many areas of work in modern society.
An Acceptable Use Policy (A.U.P.), covering the safe use of internet, is in operation in the school. Parents/Guardians and students are requested to agree in writing to abide by this policy.